In the Face of Instability and Marginalisation in a Gendered Craft Industry: Self-Realisation and Resilience of the Self-employed Craftswomen in Jingdezhen, China

Despite the growing presence of female self-employed craft workers in Jingdezhen, China's renowned porcelain industry, they face significant instability and marginalization. This study reveals that while these women find self-realization through their craftwork, they encounter frequent critiques that generalize their works as domestic and feminine, thereby overlooking their diverse skills and artistic dispositions. Additionally, societal expectations and gendered power dynamics persist in both workplaces and non-workplace settings, overshadowing the sacrifices and compromises made by these women. However, the study also highlights their resilience, demonstrating how they navigate these challenges and pressures to fulfill their potential.

(Ed.). (2022). In the Face of Instability and Marginalisation in a Gendered Craft Industry: Self-Realisation and Resilience of the Self-employed Craftswomen in Jingdezhen, China. International Journal of Business Anthropology, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.33423/ijba.v12i2.5687